Thank You Sign

My husband calls me gadget girl.

I am fascinated by things that move; toys that are neato and multipurpose items.

I had to pray when we test drove a van years ago, because I was visibly "sold" at 14 cup holders and removable seats that drop into the floor.

I'm just not strong enough to resist cool stuff (unless it's beyond our budget, of course). ;)

However, I love when I can make gadgety crafts.

This isn't mind-blowing or anything, but I think it's sorta gadgety.

See the wittle sign????

That's it, just thought it was fun. ;)

It DOES weigh the card forward a bit, so I slapped a magnet on the back to balance it.

I was motivated to color with pencils by

Papertrey's Make It Monday #30 Colored Pencils

challenge and tutorial by Jennifer.

Inspiration also by

~Flourish's Timeless Tuesday #133

I picked SHAPED CARD~PINK~DISTRESSING for my card.

Thank you for stopping by. ;)

Info:

Papertrey Ink All Booked Up, Papertrey Communique Curves Sentiments,Prismacolor Pencils, baby oil to blend,Spellbinders Label Eleven,Spellbinders Scalloped Circles,Basic Grey Lauderdale DP,Mini craft stick,Cuttlebug folder,Magnet strip

A True Friend

God had blessed me with true friends over the years.

 Paper Crafts August 2011 Challenge is girlfriends-themed.

~*Edited* with this first photo...I realized the embossing on the white was invisible in the following picture~

I was inspired by:

 ~ Colour Q Challenge #100

~Verve Sending Some Sunshine 

Thank you for stopping in. ;)

Info: 

JustRite Simple Blessings, Sizzix Flower Parts, Sizzix Texture Plate, Kid's Jewelry Braiding Cord,Staz On ink

Less Is More Modern Christmas

This Christmas card was so much fun.

The fold is squared and the back of the card is smaller than the front.

 

I love creating with black and white.

Less is More Week 30-Take 3 Challenges

I chose CIRCLES~ACETATE~A TOUCH OF RED.

Thank you for stopping by. ;)

Info:

My Mind's Eye I Believe, Versamark ink, black embossing powder, Spellbinders Classic circles

Sweet Stop Sketch, Throwdown Colors and a Christmas Bear

Awwwwww

is what I think when I stamp this bear.

Isn't he just the sweetest?

The Sweet Stop 

Color Throwdown 156 

Thank you for peeking in today. ;)

Info:

Lili of the Valley James Bear, JustRite Curlz, Quickutz snowflake,Spellbinders Label Eleven,Kid's Jewelry Braiding Cord, Staz On ink, Memento ink,Copics, Uni-ball pen,Sizzix embossing folder,Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Papertrey Ink eyelet lace border die

Square Sketch Challenge

Today I have a simple Christmas card to share.

This was my very first quality Christmas stamp.

I remember it being the most beautiful Christmas tree image I had ever seen.

How could I resist all those swirly lines?????

I was inspired by the

Square Sketch Challenge in the Moxie World

There's still time to participate!

Thank you for visiting today. ;)

Info:

Hero Arts tree, JustRite Simple Blessings sentiment, Versamark ink,copper embossing powder,Brilliance copper ink,Pebbles pearlescent chalks,Want2Scrap rhinestones,Corrugator,Uni-ball white pen,Martha Stewart Fringe scissors

Shabby Chic

Talk about trying on new shoes.

This is my attempt at Shabby Chic.

Be sweet and kind, ok? ;)

I was TERRIFIED....but took a deep breath and dove right in.

I DID enjoy the sanding and sponging...that was fun.

I think I found the right sanding technique that didn't RIP the paper apart.

I also got to bring out my pretty dies.

These challenges helped me take the shabby plunge:

JustRite Friday Challenge 057-Shabby Chic

and Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC96

Speedy the Cat's-Use Lace

Thanks for being sweet and stopping by. ;)

Info:

JustRite Thinking of You, JustRite You're So Sweet,Martha Stewart ink, Spellbinders Label Four, Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant die, Tim Holtz Distress ink tea dye,S.E.I. Dill Blossom DP,Martha Stewart Border punch,Copic and Zig Writer

Embellish Colors and a Sticker

I finally got my card done for Embellish's Embossed Flowers Colors Trends Challenge.

I "drew" stems for the flowers with a Memento ink pad...

it's layered under the sticker netting, so it's muted.

I found the sentiment frame in my stash.

Here is Embellish's inspirational picture.

Since I used a background sticker, I'm submitting it to 

~CAS-ual Friday CFC#17

 

Thank you for stopping by. ;)

Info:

Papertrey Ink Communique Curves Sentiment, Sizzix Sizzlet flower, Memento Ink

Jolly Friends

I'm using neglected items from my stash, aren't you proud?

I've had this sentiment sticker forever (and someone else had it before me).

That's one neglected sticker.

I've also had these papers for a few years and they were secondhand.

For the flower, I punched two 2" circles; cut around them with fringe scissors; embossed them with Ultra thick embossing enamel; and slit them to the center.  

Then I created a "center" for my flower with embroidery floss.

The background was inked with Versamark and white embossed.

Oh, and I unwound some circular office clips to create a bit of greenery.

Here are the inspiring challenges today:

~JAI 82 is encouraging you to use up your stash.

~Colour Q Challenge 99

~CAS-ual Friday CFC#17

Thankyou for stopping in. ;)

Hero Arts/Basic Grey Lauderdale Floral stamp, Versamark ink, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel,Kid's Jewelry Friendship Thread, misc. sticker, Martha Stewart fringe Scissors

A Sweet Thank You With JAI Colors

I could always use a Thank You card.

There are just so many sweet people in my life that God has blessed me with.

 

Just Add Ink  81

The Sweet Stop

Thank you for looking. ;)

Info:

JustRite A Day in the Country, Papertrey Communique Curves Sentiments, Copic Markers, Memento Ink, Want2Scrap bling, Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles, Kid's Jewelry Braiding Cord

Make It Monday Freestyle Copic

I worked on this simultaneously with the previous post. 

You know how that goes....take a step back and do something else or you'll lose it. ;)

I stamped this panel and really liked it framed in this tropical paper.

I didn't want to lose it in my stash of "almost".

I married my Papertrey Wreath for All Seasons and All Booked Up.

Using Betsy's tutorial for Make It Monday, I highlighted the image nearest the main sentiment, "Life is Short/Read Fast".

Info:

Papertrey Ink All Booked Up,Papertrey Wreath for All Seasons, Copic marker, Memento Ink, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Adhesive Paper, Want2Scrap baby bling, Versamark ink, copper embossing powder

Miss You Through the Seasons

UGH

Like a punch in the heart...you get the news.

"We're moving."

or

"They're sending me to Afghanistan".

You know the following year will not be the same.

Pals Paper Arts Sketch 107

was the perfect layout for this card.

A card for those "I'll miss you all year" sort of occasions. ;(

Make It Monday 29 Freestyle Copic Coloring was also perfect for this.

Simple and to the point.

Either that, or a HUGE BREAKING HEART will do.

sniff.

Thank you for taking the time today to look in. ;)

Info:

Papertrey's Wreath for All Seasons, Papertrey's Communique Curves Sentiments, Copic Markers, Memento Ink

Classy AND Stylish

I love this quote from Innovative Stamp Creations.

Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger Girly and Gutsy

is classy.

Nothing is more classy than focusing on the best in others, don't you think? ;)

I also did some embossing for Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week 20 Emboss It!

The pink and white striped paper was embossed with Sizzix's Texture Fades Brick embossing folder.

The black layer was embossed with a cuttlebug folder.

Thank you for visiting today. ;)

Info:

ISC Friendship for the sentiment,Stampendous Frame Trio Perfectly Clear Stamps, Sizzix Texture Fades Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Memento Ink, Versamark ink, black embossing powder, Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals

A Moving Pinwheel and Throwdown Colors

I finally used my pinwheel die to make a pinwheel.  

I've used it before, to make a faux windmill.

I used a mini craft stick for the "handle".

My border is from my Growing Wild grass stamp which I stamped multiple times with Memento's New Sprout and Rich Cocoa ink (twice...once with full application and again for a lighter look).  

It's on a strip to look interesting...I wasn't going for a realistic look.

The pinwheel is attached with a brad to the card, so it can turn however you choose.

I count that as movement...

for Less is More Week 29 - Things that Move.

My colors were inspired by Color Throwdown's 155.

Thank you for peeking in. ;)

Info:

Lil' Inker Pinwheel die, Technique Tuesday Growing Wild, Autumn Leaves Swirls V:I, Ellison Phrases- Card Sentiments, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Want2Scrap bling, Papertrey ink Eyelet lace border die

Cafe Colors, Embossing and Movement

I used resist embossing by stamping in Versamark and heat embossing with clear embossing powder.


I used a makeup sponge to apply the blue Memento ink.

Play Date Cafe 95

Thank you for peeking in. ;)

Info:

Tradefish Sentiment, Inkadinkado Asian by Design, Versamark ink, clear embossing powder, Memento ink, Kid's Jewelry Braiding cord,

CAS-ual Embossing

CAS-ual Fridays

I did some "negative space" embossing...by die cutting a Sizzix snowflake and using it as a mask.

The Versamark inkpad was applied and after I removed the masks, I embossed with red glitter embossing powder.

That's it! ;)

Thank you for peeking in. ;)

Info:

Sizzix snowflake die, Versamark ink, red glitter embossing powder, Studio G sentiment, Brilliance ink,clear embossing powder, Marks Finest Papers Bakers Twine

Orange and Blue Resist Embossing

Our Daily Bread Designs' SNTODBD41 Challenge is to use embossing.

The Fabulous Felt Challenge in the Moxie Fab World calls for felt.

FYI Challenge #12

Simply Scrapping Crafts August Contest Challenge Sketch

Thankyou for peeking in. ;)

Info:

ODBD Scripture Collection 6, Sizzix Butterfly Die, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Versamark Ink, White embossing powder, Kid's Jewelry Friendship Thread, Papertrey Ink felt,Want2Scrap bling,Corrugator,Creative Memories corner rounder

Criss Cross Distressing and a Tag

I was motivated to make a few cards...simply because I couldn't pick among the wonderful verses.

These are simple cards with removable, laminated tags.

The cards don't have to be kept...but I sure hope the tags will be.

I came across a cool background technique.

I'm sure that it's been around...but it's new to me!

I tried using my Marvy Corrugator in both directions, criss crossing the lines.

I love the checkered texture it gives.

Here is a blank slate that I distressed with Tim Holtz ink so you can see the lines.

So easy.

It really softens the paper up for distressing, also.  It makes paper feel like fabric!

I did it on the card base and the triangle pocket.

I also distressed the triangle for a rough look.

This is entered in ODBD 72 Add a Tag and Mark's Finest Speedy the Cats Friends Challenge 68-Distressing.

Thank you for peeking in. ;)

INFO:

ODBD Not Forgotten, Sizzix Dog Tags, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP, Versamark ink, black embossing powder, Memento ink tuxedo black for the edges, Corrugator, Tim Holtz Distress inks

A Bubble Tree

I embrace non-traditional colors for Christmas, can you tell?

This card is no exception.

I'm entering JustRite's Challenge #056 shaped holiday card or tag.

I took out my Marvy 2" punch and punched some circles. 

I then used my Spellbinder Classic Circles to create some "frames" for my Christmas images.

These have a touch of Ranger Glossy Accents to draw your attention to them (it's to make up for not coloring-I like the plain look on this).

I already had my papers out from my previous post. 

Imagine my excitement to see ColourQ's Challenge #98.

It's like creating another meal with leftovers.

It's so much sweeter for the cook. ;)

Thank you for stopping by today. ;)

Info:

JustRite A Merry Little Christmas Set, Memento Ink, Marvy 2"punch, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Kid's Jewelry Friendship Thread, Spellbinders Classic Circles, Ranger Glossy Accents

Reflections of God

FYI Challenge #11 inspired me to make a reflection card.

I stamped my image on craft foil (it was secondhand, so I don't know where you buy it...but it looks and feels like kitchen foil).

I wanted the gorgeous landscape to be seen as a reflection of God.

The sentiment is perfect, don't you think?

Nehemiah 9:6

Card Patterns Sketch 128

Here is FYI's inspirational photo

I am pleased that this card materialized pretty close to how I envisioned it.

Thank you for taking the time to look and read. ;)

Info:

Stampendous Majestic Lake, Sizzix Branch with Leaves Die, Kid's Jewelry Braiding Cord, Staz On ink, Sakura Souffle pen, Best Occasions Vellum Quote Pack, Spellbinders Labels Eleven, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Kid's Jewelry Friendship Thread, Spellbinders Scalloped Circle

Be Unique!

~ Use 1 piece of designer series paper, 1 punch and 1 sentiment~

That's the recipe for Pals Paper Arts 106 Dress for Success.

I partially used a Marvy circle punch for the borders down the center and

the window for the sentiment.

 I thought about my girls when making this card. 

Lately, creating cards has been such a wonderful outlet for me.  

It's also been a way to LIVE OUT a message.....

God made you unique.  

Embrace that!!!

That's so much easier said than done, isn't it? 

We want to STAND OUT....but at the same time....

  FIT IN. 

It's not as easy for kids.

They don't always fit in.

 Most of the time their social environment is dictated to them...

not like we grownups who can go and come as we please.

Every time I make a UNIQUE card...and take risks....

I show them that I truly believe that being unique is a GOOD THING.

I pray they hear that, anyway. ;)

Thanks for looking, and listening. ;)

Info:

Lawn Fawn Clear to See, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP, Memento Ink, Marvy 2 inch circle punch, Friendship thread, Munchkin mini by Scunci (the cute little bug)

Make It Monday Glitter Die Notebook

It's getting to be that time!

Carefree summer is coming to a close.

I need to get serious with lists and calendars and the like.

Here's a notebook to begin my list of..school supplies, TO DO, groceries...

ANY PLAN OF ATTACK. ;)

 Check out the glitter border around my felt apple.

I followed Erin's video tutorial on Papertrey's Make It Monday #28.

How fun is that?

I used Papertrey's apple die to create a "button" out of felt.

I'm the teacher for my girls...hence the apple.

I'm feeling Fall-ish, so I went with warm colors that were still bright.

I love that candy corn yellow, white, orange so there's a touch of it in the Friendship Thread (I found it in the kid's crafts section...kids get the coolest colors, don't you think?).

Thanks for peeking in. ;)

Notebook info:

Papertrey Ink All Booked Up sentiment, PTI apple die, PTI  orange zest felt, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP, Memento ink

Luminous Layers and a Christmas Card

This week's Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger

inspired me to make a fun Christmas card.

With Jenni Bowlin's Bunting stamps and Basic Grey papers, I can create artsy Christmas trees.

Each layer in this card is outlined with embossing to mimic how each layer in the dress is outlined with brown.  It's the only feature tying the multi-colors together!

I stamped with Versamark ink and used copper embossing powder.

The sentiment is used as the trunks for these fun trees.

I highlighted the landscape with an embossing pen and used the same copper embossing powder.

Here's the Trigger photo:

Thanks for checking this out. ;)

Info:

Jenni Bowlin Bunting Acrylic stamp, JustRite Simple Blessings sentiment, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP,Versamark ink, copper embossing powder, Want2Scrap bling, Friendship Thread Brights and Neons

Under His Wings

I combined a few challenges to make this card.

 Probably the hardest part was measuring the length of cord to wrap neatly on the brads. 

I flipped Just Add Ink:JAI80 Sketch

on its side.

I used PlayDate Cafe's PDCC94 colors.

ODBD Stamping In Time Challenge 41 is to use embossing.  I heat embossed the Chickadee and dry embossed the background with an embossing folder.

Thank you for peeking in! ;)

Info:

ODBD You Will Find Refuge stamp set and Chickadee Die, Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder, Sizzix/Stampin' Up Bigz Lattice die, Versamark ink, copper embossing powder, clear embossing powder, braiding cord, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP, MS ink

What's Up Buddy?

Less is More Week 28 One Layer Card's Challenge has some AWESOME entries...give it a looksy!

I went with this fun image to also include it in Paper Craft's August Gallery Challenge.

I inked the image in Versamark and used a Reverse Stamp to transfer the image to the paper.  Then I inked up and stamped it "normal" (lower right). Then I used black embossing powder.  

A little swipe of ink on each image was all I needed to hopefully convey that these are two different girls.

I used an oval cutter to "almost" get an oval.

I like the fun, unexpected shape it created.

Thanks for peeking in! ;)

Info:

Elisabeth Bell for SCACD You Have Mail, Comotion Reversing Stamp, Tradefish Designs Missing You, Versamark ink, black embossing powder, MS ink, Creative Memories Oval Cutter

Wanna Be

I remember when I went to my friend's college function years after I had earned my English degree.

It was a presentation set up by the graphic arts department.

That's when I knew.

I knew in my heart that I would have LOVED majoring in graphic art.


I ENJOYED majoring in English, it was easier for me than other subjects. 



But, if I had taken art....


I would have LOVED it.

I thank God for computers, crafting and stamping ... the whole lot!

It's like a second chance.

Back in the day when I was going to school...computers weren't like they are now.

There wasn't clip art or software you could maneuver and work with.

Since I didn't see raw talent coming from me...

like pottery, painting or sketching,


being an art major was as far away from me as being an astronaut. 

But oh, how I would pause at the window of the art department and just gaze at displays with a longing in my heart.  

Wishing those were MY pieces hanging in the window.

When I looked at them...my head got all swimmy like, ya know?

I'm sure I'm not the only wanna be out here...I see so much talent coming from other stay at home/ stamping moms. 



I also see it coming from working/stamping moms who have jobs which aren't artistic.

We all wanna be....oh I don't know...artists in some way, shape or form?

I had a lot of fun with this card and for some reason, remembered the night that I knew.

I first inked up my thin acrylic block with pink and then orange and stamped the backgrounds for the images.  I then stamped the ornaments in Versamark and embossed in black.

I used braiding cord to "shoe lace" the inked piece to the card base.  I sponged the blue in the raw spots left over.

Thanks for listening to my story, and know we are blessed to be able to freely show our work and play these fun challenges that wake up the artist in all of us. ;)

Card info:

My Mind's Eye I Believe stamp, Papertrey Ink's Wreath for All Seasons sentiment, Versamark, black embossing powder, Tim Holtz and Staz On inks

Red and Green CAS Watermelon Card

I am racing the clock to submit my green and red card for 

Flourishes' Italian Garden Challenge.

CAS is the way to go with this sentiment, don't you think?

Thanks for looking! ;)

Info: JustRite Simple Blessings,watermelon from notepad, Brilliance ink, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, braiding cord, MS fringe scissors

A Throwdown Christmas Card

I'm not usually a big yellow fan.


However, I've loved seeing it combined with other colors and enjoyed using it in my Christmas cards.

Yay, another Christmas card! ;)

I want each and every card to be done with joy in my heart, and not done just to get DONE, you know?

Color Throwdown #154 has a sweet combo.

Thank you for peeking in. ;)



Info:

JustRite Simple Blessings sentiment, My Mind's Eye I Believe, Staz On inks, Want2Scrap bling, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Bazzill DP, Braiding Cords

Scavenger Hunt Fun

I'm like a little kid...seriously, when it comes to scavenger hunts. ;)

Flourish's Scavenger Hunt Challenge was fun.

I picked up the clues and made my card.

I used Memento ink sweet plum for the flower tops and used a Memento marker for the stems (I learned that at Gina K's Stamp TV).

This pattern of paper was intimidating to me, but I started with it FIRST and worked from there, making sure I had all the 8 elements required. 

I would list them, but then you'd miss out on the hunt. ;)

Thanks for peeking in. ;)

Info:

Basic Grey Tranquil stamp, Memento Ink, Memento marker, Want2Scrap bling, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP